Distributor apparatus including adjustable distributor plate and replaceable contact breaker module assembly

ABSTRACT

A distributor in an internal combustion engine includes a distributor plate mounted in the distributor and having a first insulated separable electrical coupling connected to the hot line and a separable mechanical positioning coupling. A replaceable module includes a breaker plate having a second electrical coupling and a second mechanical coupling which separably engage the first electrical coupling and first mechanical coupling with the application of the module to the distributor plate. Mounted on the breaker plate are a breaker arm connected to the second electrical contact, a stationary point, a condensor connected between the breaker arm and stationary point and a timing lamp connected through a switch between the breaker arm and stationary point. The distributor plate may be angularly adjustable on an underplate mounted on the distributor. The module may be vertically coupled to the distributor plate, or it may be slideably coupled thereto and provided with a timing cam sensing template.

United States Patent Hrabovsky Jan. 21, 1975 Primary Examiner-James R. Scott [57] ABSTRACT A distributor in an internal combustion engine in- [75] Inventor: Jqseph Hrabovsky Salt Lake cludes a distributor plate mounted in the distributor Clty Utah and having a first insulated separable electrical cou- [73] Assignee: 'Rapid Technological Devices, Inc., P g Connected to the hot line and a separable New York, NY. chanical positioning coupling. A replaceable module includes a breaker late havin a second electrical [22] Wed: Sept 1973 coupling and a sec nd mechafiical coupling which [21] Appl. No.: 394,946 separably engage the first electrical coupling and first mechanical coupling with the application of the module to the distributor plate. Mounted on the breaker [52] Cl 200/19 zoo/31 ZOO/31 DP plate are a breaker arm connected to the second elec- [51] Int. Cl. ..H0lh19/01I meal Contact a Stationary point a Condenser com Fleld of Search R, A, 31, nected between the breaker arm and Statio ary point 123/1465 148 148 A and a timing lamp connected through a switch between the breaker arm and stationary point. The dis- [56] References C'ted tributor plate may be angularly adjustable on an un- UNITED STATES PATENTS derplate mounted on the distributor. The module may 1,869,814 8/1932 Karkav 200/31 CA be vertically coupled to the distributor plate, or it may 3,207,864 9/1965 Bettoni et a1 200/31 D be 'slideably coupled thereto and provided with a tim- Beard cam ensing template I 3,795,778 3/1974 Rees ZOO/l9 R 10 Claims, 16 Drawing Figures I Patented Jan. 21, 1975 f 3,862,384

5 Sheets-Sheet l V I v TlClE.

Pa tented Jan. 21,1975 1 3,862,384

5 Sheets-Sheet 2 W I Q V II Q Patented Jan. 21, 1975 3,862,384

5 Sheets-Sheet" 5 4 Fig.5.

- Tic 1n- DISTRIBUTOR APPARATUS INCLUDING ADJUSTABLE DISTRIBUTOR PLATE AND REPLACEABLE CONTACT BREAKER MODULE ASSEMBLY BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION The present invention relates generally to improvements in internal combustion engines and it relates more particularly to an improved spark distributor and timing device.

An important component of the conventional gasoline internal combustion engine is the distributor which distributes the spark to successive cylinders in proper sequence and times the initiation of the spark in optimum relationship to the phase of the respective cylinder stroke. The efficiency of the engine and the quality of the exhaust is highly dependent on the proper operation and adjustment of the distributor. However, the components of the distributor, particularly the breaker or timing points, and to a more limited extent, some of the other components such as the cam follower and condenser, are subject to wear necessitating the frequent replacement of such components and their adjustment. These replacements and adjustments are more frequently required by reason of the highly stringent anti-pollution controls as they apply to automobile exhausts and by reason of the higher prices and lower availability of fuel.

The proper maintenance and servicing of the internal combustion engine distributor are complex and expensive procedures, particularly by reason of the frequency thereof, and are expensive and time consuming and require the use of special tools and equipment, such as dwell meters, timing lights, feeler guages, special hand tools and the like. Each of the components require separate disconnection and removal and subsequent replacement and electrical connection, and thereafter the timing and point gap or dwell adjusted to specifications. The above maintenance and servicing procedures are generally effected by a professional mechanic and are highly expensive and inconvenient for the automobile owner.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION It is a principal object of the present invention to provide an improved component of an internal combustion engine.

Another object of the present invention is to provide an improved spark timing mechanism and distributor in an internal combustion engine.

Still anotherobject of the present invention is to provide an improved spark distributor in which those components which are subject to wear, may be readily and rapidly replaced without the need for any tools or equipment.

A further object of the present invention is to provide a distributor structure which includes a hand replaceable module or unit which includes the breaker points and condensor and alternatively a timing light, and in which the electricla connections are automatically coupled and decoupled with the insertion and separation of the module, and in which the breaker points are automatically adjusted or are simply adjusted.

Still a further object of the present invention is to provide a device of the above nature characterized by its reliability, ruggedness, simplicity, ease and convenience of use and application without the need for tools and its great versatility and adaptability.

The above and other objects of the present invention will become apparent from a reading of the following description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, which illustrate a preferred embodiment thereof.

In a sense, the present invention contemplates the provision ofa replaceable timing module in an internal combustion engine distributor, in combination with a receiving or base section in which the module is a structural unit including the breaker points, that is, the breaker arm and the stationary contact, a capacitor connected between the breaker points, an electrical coupling member connected to one of the points and a mechanical releasable coupling member, and the receiving section includes mechanical and electrical coupling members which mate those on the module, so that when the module is applied to the receiving section to effect the mating of the mechanical coupling members, the electrical coupling members are coupled. A light bulb may be part of the module and connected between the breaker points by way of a switch and the points may be preset, or a mechanism is provided in the module for automatically setting the breaker points as indexed by the timing cam and a sensing member or template carried by the-module. The improved system is of two general types, adapted for use with the two standard types of distributors, that in which side access to the distributor base plate is available and that in which only access to the top of the base plate is available. The base plate of the present improved timing mechanism may form the original equipment, or it may replace or be mounted on the original base plate.

The improved device overcomes the numerous drawbacks and disadvantages of the conventional distributor timing mechanism, since it may be rapidly and easily replaced without the use of tools or special equipment and the proper adjustments are automatically effected or preset or easily accomplished.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS the module section;

FIG. 8 is a top plan fragmentary view of the device showing its relationship to the timing cam when in a coupled unadjusted condition;

FIG. 9 is a view similar to FIG. 8 showing the points in their adjusted position;

FIG. 10 is a top plan view of a preferred embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 11 is a left end view thereof partially in section;

FIG. 12 is a top plan view of another embodiment of the present invention illustrated positioned in the distributor housing;

FIG. 13 is an exploded top plan view thereof;

FIG. 14 is an enlarged front elevational view thereof partially in section and shown in uncoupled condition;

FIG. is a sectional view taken along line 15l5 in FIG. 14;

FIG. 16 is a sectional view taken along line 16-16 of FIG. 14.

DESCRlPTlON OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS Referring now to the drawings. particularly F108. 1 to 10 thereof, which illustrate a first embodiment of the present invention, the reference numeral 10 generally designates the improved timing assembly which includes a base section 11 and a replaceable timing module or unit 12. The base section 11 includes a transversely extending base plate 13 which is positioned in the distributor housing so as to be accessible along its peripheral edges. 1n the conventional manner, the distributor housing is presented with a removable distributor cap and the base plate 13 which may be original or a replacement, is angularly controlled in response to engine parameters, such as vacuum and engine speed.

The base plate 13 has an arcuate inner recess 14 to clear the distributor timing cam and has formed on its top face a radially extending low ridge 16 defining a dovetail coupling track with parallel side edges. A rectangular channel 17 is longitudinally formed in the top face of ridge 16, and a latch defining rectangular leaf spring 18 nests inchannel 17 and is secured at its inner end to the inner end of channel 17 and is provided at its trailing end in a laterally enlarged head 19 which is outside the outer edge of base plate 13 and is normally sprung above the top face of ridge 16. An upwardly projecting transverse flange 20 is formed along the side rear edge of base plate 13, and a leaf spring 21 has one end section fixed to the front face of flange 20 and an inwardly forwardly oblique free end section 22.

An electrical fitting 23 is mounted on base plate 13 on the side opposite to spring 21 and includes a bottom block 25 formed on the left rear corner of plate 13 and in which is formed a longitudinal bore telescoped by an insulated sleeve 26 provided with end walls having aligned axial bores. A contact member 24 in the form of a metal rod slideably engages and projects beyond the bore and is resiliently forwardly biased by a helical compression spring 27 entrapped between the sleeve rear wall and a flange 28 on the rod 24. The rear end of contact rod 24 is connected by a flexible lead to the power hot line. Located proximate an end of recess 14 is an upwardly directed, positioning stop 30.

The module unit-l2 includes a bottom breaker plate 32 and an automatically adjustable stage 33 supporting the stationary breaker point. Formed in the underface of breaker plate 32, is a longitudinally extending dovetail channel 34 which matingly, slideably, engages ridge 16, the base of groove 34 having a longitudinal groove 36 extending to the front edge of plate 32 and registering with and of slightly greater width than latch spring 18. A leaf spring breaker arm 37 extends transversely, forwardly, from the left, as viewed in FIG. 1, above and parallel to breaker plate 32 and is suitably supported in an insulated manner inwardly of its left end proximate the rear left side edge of plate 32. A breaker point 38 is carried by the rar end face of breaker arm 37 and the arm 37 is rearwardly sprung by a vertical insulated post 39 bearing on the front face of arm 37 inwardly of its supported end. A timing cam follower of conventional construction is mounted on the rear face of arm 37.

Mounted on the rear leftside of breaker plate 32 is a metal sleeve 41 which tightly engages a metal encased rearwardly projecting condensor 42 having an ungrounded terminal connected to the breaker arm 37 by a helical compression spring 44 entrapped between the breaker arm and the condensor terminal. A bayonette lamp socket 46 is located on breaker plate 32 forward of the left end of breaker arm 37, and its central terminal is connected to the breaker arm by way of a conductor lead 432 through a small switch 43. A bulb 47 is releasably engaged by socket 46. In the coupled or assembled position of breaker plate 32 to base plate 13, the rear left end edge of breaker arm 37 bears on the end face of contact rod 24 to resiliently urge it inwardly and effect a good electrical coupling.

A longitudinally extending dovetail groove 48 is formed in the top face of breaker plate 32 proximate its right side edge and an upwardly directed longitudinal wall 49 is formed along the right side edge of breaker plate 32 and has a front section of reduced thickness. A locking cam 50 is horizontally swingably positioned in the top face of breaker plate 32 and includes a horizontal plate 51 lying on plate 32 and rockably secured thereto by a vertical pivot pin 53, the plate 51 being provided with a locking serrated cam edge 32 whose distance from pivot pin 53 increases from right to left along cam edge 52. The left edge of plate 51 is provided with a vertical flange 54 which is connected by a tension spring 56 to the forward part of wall 49 to resiliently urge locking cam 50 counter clockwise, a stop 57 on plate 32 limiting the clockwise movement of locking cam 50.

The adjustable stage 33 has a dovetail ridge 58 formed on its underface which longitudinally matingly slideably engages the dovetail groove 48 and is provided along its rear edge with an upwardly directed wall 59,-which projects transversely to the right into longitudinal registry with the rear face of wall 49. A compression spring 60 is entrapped between walls 49 and 59 to resiliently urge the stage 33 rearwardly toward the timing cam. A stationary point or contact 61 is mounted on the front face of wall 59 in coinciding separable engagement with breaker point 38.

A locking cam follower 63 is in the form of a wall directed upwardly from the front'edge of stage 33, the vertical left edge of which is engaged by the serrated edge 52 of the spring loaded locking cam 50. Mounted atop and affixed to the rear section of stage 33 is a horizontal flat indexing timing cam sensing template 64, having an arcuate rear sensing edge 65 concentric with polygonal distributor timing cam C and of the radius of the corners or rise portions 66 of cam C and extending for at least the distance between successive rise portions 66, that is in excess of 45 in the case of an eight cylinder, eight lobe timing cam, as illustrated. The spatial relationship of the template edge 65 and the other parameters of the present device will be apparent from a description of the use thereof.

In replacing a module unit 12 the worn or defective module is removed merely by finger depressing the latching spring head 19 and sliding the module unit forwardly until it is separated from the dovetail ridge 16. A replacement module 12 is then inserted by again depressing head 19 and sliding module dovetail groove 34 into engagement with ridge 16, and pushing the breaker plate 32 until it abuts the stop 30, at which point it passes head 19 which springs upwardly and the left rear face of breaker arm 37 engages the hot contact 24 and springs it rearwardly. Before breaker plate 32 reaches stop 30, template edge 64 engages timing cam C to push the template and stage 33 rearwardly with further advance of the breaker plate 32. As the stage 33 is pushed forwardly, follower wall 63 releases cam member 50 to swing counter clockwise under the influence of spring 56 to lock stage 33 in its forwardmost position. The module unit 12 is then released and is pushed forwardly to abut latch spring head 19, under the influence of lead spring 21. The module unit has thus been simply replaced and the breaker points precisely gapped, the indexing template and other components being related and dimensioned to achieve such automatic adjustment.

In the event that the distributor head, for some reason, is not in accurate relationship to the engine stroke, this may be easily achieved by manually closing the switch 43 to bulb 47 and angularly adjusting the distributor head to the point at which the bulb 47 is energized or deenergized with the engine position adjusted by hand, by way of the fan belt, to the position of the indexing cylinder being at the top of its compression stroke. This is indicated by indicia normally provided on the engine fly wheel or other component matching a proximate indicator.

ln FIGS. and 11 of the drawings there is illustrated a preferred embodiment of the present invention which may be employed with a distributor housing in which the distributor plate 99 is at least at the level of the housing and differs primarily from the first described embodiment in the provision ofa mechanism which obviates the need to adjust the distributor housing. Specifically, in the present embodiment, the distributor plate 99 is provided with an arcuate dovetail ridge 105 whose center may be either concentric with or offset relative to the center of the timing cam C. Superimposed on the distributor plate, is a base plate 100 having a dovetail groove slideably matingly engaging the distributor plate ridge to permit relative rotation of the plates, a leaf spring 102 being provided to stabilize the breaker plate 100. A thumb screw 103 registers with an arcuate slot 104 in base plate 100 andengages a tapped bore in the distributor plate to permit the releasable locking of the plates.'

As in the first described embodiment, a breaker plate 106 which forms part of the replaceable modular unit is longitudinally slideably separably coupled to base plate 100 by mating dovetail ridge and groove and supports a positioning template which is an integrally formed part of plate 106 and the interconnected breaker arm 37, condensor 42 and timing lamp 47 and cooperates with an electrical coupling assembly 23, as earlier described. Breaker plate 106 also supports an adjustable stationary breaker point 108 on an upright transverse flange 109.

An automatic locking cam 110 has a groove 110a and is pivotly mounted at the rear portion thereof on the rear face of base plate 100 proximate flange 109 and includes a serrated cam edge 111 corresponding with cam edge 52, and which releasably engages the right edge of flange 109. The locking cam 110 is resiliently urged counter clockwise into engagement with flange 109 by a tension spring 112 connecting an arm 107 projecting from locking cam 110 to a suitably located stationary point.

The operation of the embodiment shown in FIGS. 10 and 11 is similar to that of the first embodiment, except that the adjustment of the assembly in relationship to the engine stroke is easily effected by loosening thumb screw 103 and turning the base plate 100, thereby eliminating the need to adjust the distributor housing and the stage 33 is eliminated.

The groove 110a permits the cam 110 to back off so the template does not drag on the distributor cam.

ln FIGS. 12 to 16 there is illustrated another embodiment of the present invention which differs in application from that first described primarily in that it is employed in distributors in which the breaker plate is below the level of the upper edge of the distributor housing. The improved system includes a horizontal segment shaped base plate suitably positioned in the distributor housing and regulated in the known manner in response to engine operating paremeters. It should be noted that plate 70 may be mounted on the distributor plate to permit the angular adjustment of plate 70 for the same function and in the manner of plate 100. The periphery of plate 70 is proximate the inner face of the distributor housing 71 and the cord 72 is spaced from the timing cam C. The plate is actually located by the existing holes which previously held the points.

Mounted on plate 70 are a pair oflaterally spaced upwardly directed cylindrical positioning posts 73 and 74 of different diameters and having rounded tops. Also mounted on plate 70 and laterally, outwardly spaced from post 74 is a clip type electrical coupling 76, ineluding an insulator block 77 secured to plate 70 and a pair of vertical resilient metal arms 77 terminating at its top in downwardly converging fingers 78 resiliently bearing on each other, the arms 77 being affixed to block 77a and electrically connected to the ignition battery ungrounded or hot line by an insulated lead 76a.

A replaceable module unit 79 is associated with the base plate 70 and includes a breaker plate 80 having a pair of laterally spaced openings 81 which mate the corresponding posts 73 and 74, so that the breaker plate 80, as part of the module unit 79, can be replaceably superimposed on base plate 70 and accurately positioned thereon.

A longitudinally extending collar 82 may be formed of insulating material is suitably mounted on the left rear corner of breaker plate 80 and is provided along its front left side with an integrally formed vertical wall 83 which extends to plate 80. A condensor 84 is tightly engaged by the collar 82 and has a metal casing which is grounded to breaker plate 80, such as through a conductor element extending through the wall of collar 82.

A transversely extending resilient breaker arm 86 extends horizontally from the wall 83 and is rivoted thereto. If the collar 82 is formed of conducting material, for example an integral part or plate 80, then the condenser is grounded to the breaker plate 82 simply by its contact with the collar. In this circumstance the breaker arm 86 is electrically insulated from the wall 83. One end of breaker arm 86 proximate the left end of plate 80 is provided on its rear face with a breaker point 87 and the opposite end thereof terminates in a forwardly projecting contact prong or arm 88. As best seen in PK]. 16, the ungrounded terminal of condensor 84 is electrically connected to breaker arm 86. A timing cam follower 89 of insulating material is mounted on and projects rearwardly from breaker arm 86.

Also supported by the breaker plate 70 is a stationary arm which extends from collar 82 and is suitably grounded. The arm 90 is provided on its front face with a breaker point 91 which registers with breaker point 87. A slot is formed in arm 90 through which follower 89 freely projects. A lamp socket 94 member is mounted on plate 80 proximate its peripheral edge and releasably holds a lamp 96, the socket terminals being connected'respectively to ground and through a switch to the breaker arm 86.

In applying the module unit 79 to distributor plate 70, the breaker plate openings 81 are brought into registry with posts 73 and 74 and pressed downwardly into superimposition with base plate 70, at which position prong 88 has entered into engagement with clip socket 76. The lamp 96 may be employed to properly relate the breaker points to the piston compression stroke as explained above. The engine is now in properly timed operable condition.

While there have been described and illustrated preferred embodiments of the present invention, it is apparent that numerous alterations, omissions and additions may be made without departing from the spirit thereof.

1 claim:

1. An internal combustion engine distributor including a timing cam comprising a base plate, a first mechanical coupling located on said base plate, a first electrical coupling located on said base plate and insulated therefrom, and a replaceable modular unit including a breaker plate, a second mechanical coupling separably engaging said first mechanical coupling, a second electrical coupling mounted on said breaker plate and insulated'therefrom, and separably engaging said first electrical coupling with the interengagement of said mechanical couplings, a pair of breaker point members mounted on said breaker plate, one of said breaker point members being insulated from said breaker plate and electrically connected to said second electrical coupling and a condensor mounted on said breaker plate and electrically connected between said breaker point members.

2. The distributor of claim 1, including an electric lamp mounted on said breaker plate and means connecting said lamp between said breaker points.

3. The distributor of claim 1, including a timing cam sensing template mounted on said breaker plate and longitudinally moveable therewith into engagement with said timing cam.

4. The distributor of claim 3, wherein said breaker plate includes a bottom section longitudinally slideable along said base plate and a top section longitudinally slideable along said bottom section, and including a breaker arm mounted on and insulated from said bottom section and connected to said second electrical coupling and supporting one of said breaker points, the other of said breaker points being mounted on said upper section, means releasably restricting the longitudinal movement of said bottom section, said template being mounted on and moveable with said top section, and means for restricting the rearward movement of said top section relative to said bottom section, while permitting the forward movement thereof.

5. The distributor of claim 4, including means for resiliently urging said breaker plate bottom section forwardly.

6. The distributor of claim 1, including a distributor plate supported in said distributor, said base plate being mounted on said distributor plate and being angularly adjustable thereon about an axis parallel to the axis of said timing cam.

7. The distributor of claim 6, wherein said axes are mutually offset.

8. The distributor of claim 6, wherein said breaker plate is radially moveable on said base plate and including a template for sensing said timing cam and mounted on and moveable with said breaker plate and means for restricting the, rearward movement of said breaker plate on said base plate, while permitting the forward movement thereof.

9. The distributor of claim 1 wherein said mechanical coupling includes recesses on one of said plates and mating projections on the other of said plates releasably engaging said recesses.

10. The distributor of claim I wherein said first coupling member comprises a spring biased axially moveable slide rod, and including a breaker arm mounted on and insulated from said breaker plate and supporting one of said breaker points proximate one end thereof and supported proximate the opposite end thereof, said opposite end of said breaker arm defining said second electrical coupling and being resiliently engaged by said spring biased slide rod. 

1. An internal combustion engine distributor including a timing cam comprising a base plate, a first mechanical coupling located on said base plate, a first electrical coupling located on said base plate and insulated therefrom, and a replaceable modular unit including a breaker plate, a second mechanical coupling separably engaging said first mechanical coupling, a second electrical coupling mounted on said breaker plate and insulated therefrom, and separably engaging said first electrical coupling with the interengagement of said mechanical couplings, a pair of breaker point members mounted on said breaker plate, one of said breaker point members being insulated from said breaker plate and electrically connected to said second electrical coupling and a condensor mounted on said breaker plate and electrically connected between said breaker point members.
 2. The distributor of claim 1, including an electric lamp mounted on said breaker plate and means connecting said lamp between said breaker points.
 3. The distributor of claim 1, including a timing cam sensing template mounted on said breakEr plate and longitudinally moveable therewith into engagement with said timing cam.
 4. The distributor of claim 3, wherein said breaker plate includes a bottom section longitudinally slideable along said base plate and a top section longitudinally slideable along said bottom section, and including a breaker arm mounted on and insulated from said bottom section and connected to said second electrical coupling and supporting one of said breaker points, the other of said breaker points being mounted on said upper section, means releasably restricting the longitudinal movement of said bottom section, said template being mounted on and moveable with said top section, and means for restricting the rearward movement of said top section relative to said bottom section, while permitting the forward movement thereof.
 5. The distributor of claim 4, including means for resiliently urging said breaker plate bottom section forwardly.
 6. The distributor of claim 1, including a distributor plate supported in said distributor, said base plate being mounted on said distributor plate and being angularly adjustable thereon about an axis parallel to the axis of said timing cam.
 7. The distributor of claim 6, wherein said axes are mutually offset.
 8. The distributor of claim 6, wherein said breaker plate is radially moveable on said base plate and including a template for sensing said timing cam and mounted on and moveable with said breaker plate and means for restricting the rearward movement of said breaker plate on said base plate, while permitting the forward movement thereof.
 9. The distributor of claim 1 wherein said mechanical coupling includes recesses on one of said plates and mating projections on the other of said plates releasably engaging said recesses.
 10. The distributor of claim 1 wherein said first coupling member comprises a spring biased axially moveable slide rod, and including a breaker arm mounted on and insulated from said breaker plate and supporting one of said breaker points proximate one end thereof and supported proximate the opposite end thereof, said opposite end of said breaker arm defining said second electrical coupling and being resiliently engaged by said spring biased slide rod. 